Friday, May 31BUCCANEERS IN THE COMMUNITY UPDATE: FRIDAY, MAY 24, 2013

COMMUNITY RELATIONS UPDATE: MAY 24, 2013

WEDNESDAY, MAY 22nd: ROOKIES KICK OFF SUMMER OF SERVICE

AT ST. JOSEPH'S CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

On Wednesday, May 22nd, the Buccaneer rookies kicked off the first of many community service outings this summer by visiting pediatric patients at St. Joseph's Children's Hospital. The rookies were given a chance to bond with the children, and many left the hospital impacted by the stories they had heard.

"You can see the kids' faces brighten up when you walk in the room," quarterback Mike Glennon said. "You don't really know what's going on or why, but obviously it's a tough time and even if we can make them feel better for five minutes, it's really successful."

Players visited patients throughout the building, posing for pictures, signing autographs and handing out teddy bears as part of the Glazer Family Foundation's "Cheering You On!" program. To learn more about Wednesday's rookie outing, visit www.buccaneers.com.

On Thursday, May 23rd, local athletes and organizations gathered at the TPepin Hospitality Centre for the Third Annual Sneaker Soiree, hosted by the Tampa Bay Sports Commission. The evening, which recognized local athletes and organizations for achievements on the playing field and in the community, included special tributes to former Tampa Bay Buccaneers great Ronde Barber, who recently retired following an illustrious 16-year career.

Barber received the award for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Moment of the Year for his impactful play in his 200th consecutive start, the 2012 season opener at Raymond James Stadium. Later in the evening, Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn surprised Barber with an official Key to the City for his accomplishments and dedication to the Bay area.

"I think you all know my affection and my love for this town," Barber said. "The people that embraced me in this town, you've got as much to do with it as anybody. So thank all of you."

The event, emceed by award-winning sports personality Jenn Brown, included a plethora of awards and a star-studded list of Tampa Bay celebrity guests, such as 2013 Buccaneers Pro Bowlers Doug Martin and Gerald McCoy; the Tampa Bay Rays' Evan Longoria and the Tampa Bay Lightning's Martin St. Louis; and an assembly of head coaches including the Buccaneers' Greg Schiano, the Rays' Joe Maddon, the Lightning's Jon Cooper, and from the University of South Florida, Football Coach Willie Taggart and Basketball Coach Stan Heath.

Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn presents Ronde Barber with a Key to the City during the third annual Sneaker Soiree Thursday evening.

ENTER THE NFL PLAY 60 INVENTION CONTEST TODAY

Have an idea about a new way to get active? Then enter the NFL Play 60 Invention Contest today, where you could win up to $5,000 and a trip to the NFL Grand Prize Event.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the NFL are challenging football's youngest fans, ages 6-13, to invent a product or concept that helps youth get active and stay healthy. Possible inventions include a new game, fitness equipment, football-themed training program and more. The winning child could even potentially work with the NFL on the creation of their winning product.

To submit an entry, click here or go to www.NFLRush.com and click on "Invention Contest". Then create a name for the product, describe it, tell why it's different, why everyone will love it and don't forget to add pictures of you playing it.

ABBREVIATED RULES: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY to win. Purchasing will not increase your odds of winning. Void where prohibited. The NFL PLAY 60 Invention Contest is open to U.S. residents at least 6 years of age and not older than 13 at the time of entry. The contest kicks off on April 22, 2013 at 12:00 PM EST and ends on July 12, 2013 at 11:59:59 PM EST. All entries must have parental permission. Read all official rules before entering. The contest is subject to the official rules at www.NFLRUSH.com/INVENT. - See more at: http://nflrush.com/invent.